cold water bass

Question
im am fishing a small lake with steep sides avearge 12 feet deep the water temp is 42 and water is clear and i can not get them to hit anthing i have pulled many fish out of this system of small lakes but not this early in the season and my 1st terment in on feb 29 and we just had an other cold front come through please help  

Answer
The first thing I would do is try finding the warmest water, which at this time of the year
should be the north and northwest areas.  Even 1 to 3 degrees can make a difference.  I'm
still ice fishing, so a poor one to talk on that point.  Anyway, that is what I do once the
water opens.

As for lure selection I would go three ways.  First would be a jig with a pork trailer
(black/blue).  Next would be a small finesse worm (black), fished on a lead head with a
very slow lift and drop, or do-nothing method.  My third choice may seem a bit strange,
but I would try a crankbait (shad or silver/black back) with a fast crank down to its
deepest point, then a rip and pause.  I've been very successful in the past doing this with a
3/8 ounce Rebel Spoonbill in the Bull Shoals area in colder water conditions in March and
April.    This isn't the normal for this time of year, but if you can find some suspended fish,
try a vertical jigging spoon.  I'm a big tube angler, so that would be another of my
choices, as I fish these in all seasons.

I would also suggest that you post this same question to the pros at Bassin' USA, of
which I am a member of the staff.  There are pro staffers from all around the country, and
they have a variety of experience.  The membership is free, and you can ask whatever
fishing quesitons you have.  The address is www.bassinusa.com.

Hope some of this helps.  Good luck, and if you have anyother questions don't hesitate in
getting back in touch.

Best of fishing,
Dan